Inflatable spa or pool cover

ABSTRACT

Provided herein is a frameless cover for enclosing a spa or pool comprising an inflatable member capable of providing rigidity without joined or crisscrossed structural parts, wherein the inflatable member overlays the spa or pool. Also provided herein is a kit for transporting and/or carrying the frameless, inflatable spa or pool cover.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of spa and/or pool covers, and in particular relates to the field of inflatable spa and/or pool covers.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

It is generally a desirable and popular practice to cover a spa or pool when not in use. Such a cover keeps dirt and debris from contaminating the water, limits heat loss from within the spa or pool, and prevents hazards such as the accidental slipping, falling and/or drowning of people, particularly young children, and pets.

The typical spa and/or pool cover is sewn with multiple layers. The foam core is wrapped in a plastic liner to inhibit the foam from absorbing water and/or steam. The core layer is then encased within stitched polyvinyl sheets. Because the foam core has minimal strength, a steel bar at a hinge point is necessary for supporting the cover structure. However, such foam-based covers are typically heavy and burdensome and therefore difficult and clumsy to remove, apply and/or transport. In addition, such foam covers typically become waterlogged and/or mildewed and/or moldy because the exposed stitching on the exterior layer absorbs the water and/or steam rising from the spa or pool.

Foam-based covers for a spa and/or pool are readily available and may be found; for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,422,192; 4,078,293; 4,236,259; 4,246,663; 4,270,232; and 4,284,060.

Inflatable covers were introduced to the field in an effort to improve the foam-based spa and/or pool covers. Typically, such inflatable covers are light-weight and flexible and constructed with an inflatable bladder(s) within an exterior layer(s) of waterproof or water-resistant polyvinyl material. However, such inflatable covers tend to be flimsy and incapable of retaining air. Improvements to the inflatable covers focused on the construction of a less-flexible, rigid cover structure by introducing support frames of varying designs. However, such improvements tend to add bulk and weight making the cover structure heavy and burdensome and therefore difficult and clumsy to remove, apply, and/or transport.

Inflatable covers for a spa and/or pool are readily available and may be found, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,048,678; 4,122,562; 4,535,490; 4,606,083; 4,744,112; 4,847,925; 4,825,479; 4,953,239; 5,144,704; 5,373,590; 5,367,722; 5,799,345; 6,286,157; 6,408,453; 6,694,539; 7,032,258; 7,311,683; 7,874,023; and 8,201,285; US Publication Nos. 2007/0143915; 2007/0271692; and 2010/0058529; EP Publication No. 0768441; and WO Publication Nos. 1998009117; and 2007060485; however, none of these references disclose the embodiments of the present invention.

Therefore, a need exists in the art for a durable yet lightweight inflatable cover for a spa or pool, capable of providing rigidity without joined or crisscrossed structural parts.

All documents and references cited herein and in the referenced patent documents, are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present inventors have designed, constructed, and developed an innovative durable, yet light-weight, inflatable spa or pool cover. Such a cover is capable of providing rigidity without joined or crisscrossed structural parts.

Disclosed herein is a frameless cover for enclosing a spa or pool; the cover comprising an inflatable member capable of providing rigidity without joined or crisscrossed structural parts, wherein the inflatable member overlays the spa or pool.

In another embodiment, the inflatable member comprises two or more inflatable portions.

In another embodiment, the inflatable member comprises two portions.

In another embodiment, the two or more inflatable portions comprise an axial hinge. In an additional embodiment, the hinge is a fabric hinge. In a further embodiment, the fabric hinge is a waterproof fabric hinge or water-resistant fabric hinge. In an additional embodiment, the hinge comprises a stiffening system on each side of the axial hinge. In a further embodiment, the stiffening system is selected from the group consisting of a batten, bar, and a combination thereof.

In another embodiment, the two or more inflatable portions comprise wedged components on underside or side edges of the inflatable member from the hinge to corner points on the inflatable member; thereby causing a sloping effect on the cover. In a further embodiment, the wedged components are molded on underside or side edges of the inflatable member. In an additional embodiment, the wedged components are constructed of material selected from the group consisting of foam, wood, double wall material, Drop Stitch material, PVC-coated material, vinyl material, inflatable material, and a combination thereof

In another embodiment, the inflatable member overlays the spa or pool extending atop perimeter walls of the spa or pool.

In another embodiment, the inflatable member overlays the spa or pool extending to perimeter walls of the spa or pool.

In another embodiment, the inflatable member is constructed of a waterproof or water-resistant material.

In another embodiment, the inflatable member is constructed of a high-pressure double wall material. In a further embodiment, the inflatable member is constructed of Drop Stitch material.

In another embodiment, the inflatable member is capable of holding inflation without continuous air pressure.

In another embodiment, the inflatable member further comprises a skirt. In a further embodiment, the skirt is a waterproof fabric or a water-resistant fabric.

In addition, disclosed herein is a kit for a frameless, inflatable spa or pool cover; the kit comprising: a frameless cover for enclosing a spa or pool, wherein the cover comprises an inflatable member capable of providing rigidity without joined or crisscrossed structural parts; a transport case for the frameless cover; and an air pump for inflating the frameless cover.

In other embodiments, the cover for enclosing a spa or pool in the preceding paragraphs may additionally incorporate any of the preceding or subsequent disclosed embodiments.

The Summary of the Invention is not intended to define the claims nor is it intended to limit the scope of the invention in any manner.

Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following Drawings, Detailed Description, and the Claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A-1C illustrates an embodiment of an inflatable portion of the spa or pool cover constructed of double wall material, such as Drop Stitch material, with sealing ends of the material and an air intake valve.

FIG. 2A-2C illustrates an embodiment of an inflatable member of the spa or pool cover.

FIG. 3A-3C illustrates an embodiment of an inflatable member of the spa or pool cover with overlapping skirt material on the outer edges.

FIG. 4A-4C illustrates an embodiment of an inflatable member of the spa or pool cover comprising two inflatable portions with an axial hinge.

FIG. 5A-5C illustrates an embodiment of the axial hinge on the inflatable portions of the spa or pool cover having a stiffening system, such as a batten, inserted into either side of the axial hinge.

FIG. 6A-6B illustrates an embodiment of the inflatable member of the spa or pool cover having wedged components constructed on the underside of the inflatable portions from the hinge to corner points of the inflatable member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is illustrated in the drawings and description. However, while particular embodiments are illustrated in the drawings, there is no intention to limit the present invention to the specific embodiment or embodiments disclosed. Rather, the present invention is intended to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention. As such, the drawings are intended to be illustrative and not restrictive.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this technology belongs.

The spa or pool cover disclosed herein is frameless and therefore capable of providing rigidity without joined or crisscrossed structural parts. For the purposes of the present invention, the terminology “frameless” is generally known as being composed without structural and/or supportive parts crisscrossed, fitted and/or joined together.

For the purposes of the present invention, the terminology “spa or pool” is generally known as an in-the-ground or above ground container, of any shape or size, filled with water intended for swimming or water-based recreation. Moreover, the meaning of the term “spa” may include, without limitation, a small pool, hot tub, tub, or whirlpool. Accordingly, the frameless spa or pool cover as disclosed herein may be designed to be of any shape or size for overlaying any corresponding spa or pool.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are depicted in FIGS. 1-6.

FIG. 1A-1C shows a perspective view of an embodiment of an 10 inflatable portion of the spa or pool cover disclosed herein. The 10 inflatable portion illustrated shows construction of a double wall material, such as Drop Stitch material, with 13 sealing ends of the material and an 14 air intake valve for inflation means. Double wall and/or Drop Stitch material construction is readily available in the art. Such material or fabric is of high pressure construction and provides for inflation without continuous air pressure. Such material or fabric is, without limitation, constructed of 11 upper and lower fabric layers and a core section of an array of 12 threads extending therefrom the 11 upper and lower fabric layers and throughout the core. The high pressure and rigid nature of the material creates shapes of varying lengths, widths, and/or depths and would not be limited to the use of a rounded balloon shape typical of other flexible inflatable materials and fabrics. The rigid nature of the material additionally provides for a light weight yet durable construction without the need for joined and/or crisscrossed structural parts.

Double wall or Drop Stitch material is a woven fabric and is readily available to the skilled artisan in various thicknesses and coatings. For example, the material or fabric is available in a range of thicknesses from 5-50 centimeters (cm). Double wall or Drop Stitch fabric is light, durable, and seamless; and when inflated provides for a flat “walking” surface. Drop Stitch structures have working pressures up to 1 atmosphere which is much higher than any other inflatable shape. Drop Stitch fabric structures are typically comprised of a combination of synthetic materials such as, without limitation, fiberglass and/or polyester. The cables or threads are typically made from steel, Kevlar, and/or glass fiber. Silicon rubber and/or Teflon® are often used to coat or laminate the material. The fabric is made in sheets of about 12 feet wide and of varying lengths. Sheets of fabric may be joined together through lap joints created with a Teflon® fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) film and heat welded together. Such joints are strong, and completely water and airtight. Double wall or Drop Stitch material is commonly used in the field of recreational watersports such as for inflatable watercraft and stand-up paddle boards. See for example, US Publication No. 2013/0137319; and U.S. Pat. No. 7,861,662.

FIG. 2A-2C shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the 21 inflatable member of the 20 frameless cover disclosed herein. The 20 frameless covers disclosed herein may comprise a single 21 inflatable member or portion. In another embodiment, the 20 frameless cover disclosed herein comprises an 21 inflatable member comprising two or more portions and a corresponding one or more axial hinge(s). Such 20 frameless covers are capable of providing rigidity without joined or crisscrossed structural parts. 21 Inflatable members and/or portions include an inflation means, such as, without limitation, an 14 air intake valve for insertion of a corresponding air pump, including, without limitation, a manual or motorized air pump. The 21 inflatable member of the present invention may be designed to overlay the spa or pool extending atop perimeter walls of the spa or pool. Alternatively, the 21 inflatable member of the present invention may be designed to overlay the spa or pool extending to perimeter walls of the spa or pool.

FIG. 3A-3C shows a perspective view of an embodiment of an 31 inflatable member of the 30 frameless cover disclosed herein having 15, 16 overlapping skirt material attached thereto. Such 15, 16 skirt material may a waterproof or water-resistant material such as, without limitation, polyvinyl material which is readily available and generally known to the skilled artisan. Such 15, 16 skirt material may extend over perimeter walls of the spa or pool providing full coverage over the corners of the spa or pool. Alternatively, such 15, 16 skirt material may extend within perimeter walls of the spa or pool.

FIG. 4A-4C shows an embodiment of an 40 inflatable member of the spa or pool cover disclosed herein comprising 41 two inflatable portions with an 18, 19 axial hinge on the 18 interior and 19 exterior faces of the 41 inflatable portions. The 18, 19 axial hinge is shown in the closed position, which provides for the 41 inflatable portions to fold over each other. Alternatively, the 18, 19 axial hinge is shown in an open position which provides for the cover to overlay the spa or pool. In some embodiments, an 40 inflatable member may have one or more 18, 19 axial hinges. In some embodiments, the 18, 19 axial hinge is a fabric hinge. Such a 18, 19 fabric hinge may be a waterproof or water-resistant material or fabric such as, without limitation, a polyvinyl material or fabric.

FIG. 5A-5C shows an embodiment of an 50 inflatable member of the spa or pool cover comprising two 51 inflatable portions with an 18, 19 axial hinge and a 23 stiffening system. Such a 23 stiffening system is light-weight and requires no joined or crisscrossed structural components. Such a 23 stiffening system comprises, without limitation, an insertion slot in the axial hinge and a batten or lightweight bar for sliding into the insertion slot, sleeve and/or pocket. An 18, 19 axial hinge may have one or more insertion slots and corresponding battens or bars for sliding therein. In certain embodiments, an 50 inflatable member of the spa or pool cover disclosed herein may have two or more 51 inflatable portions and/or one or more 18, 19 axial hinges and corresponding 23 stiffening systems. Light-weight battens and bars are readily available to the skilled artisan. Alternatively, stiffness may be achieved by ways known in the art such as through the integration of a bend or rocker (as has been done on SUP boards or surfboards) into the Drop Stitch fabric.

FIG. 6A-6B shows an embodiment of an 60 inflatable member of the spa or pool cover disclosed herein with 22 wedged components. Such 22 wedged components are positioned in such a manner as to create a sloping effect for lifting the center of the cover and providing for the run-off or shedding of dirt, debris, and/or water. The two or more 61 inflatable portions of the 60 inflatable member comprise 22 wedged components on underside or side edges of the 60 inflatable member from the 18, 19 hinge to corner points on the 60 inflatable member. Such 22 wedged components may be molded within and/or attached or affixed to the underside or side edges of the 61 inflatable member. The 22 wedged components may be constructed of material readily available to the skilled artisan such as, without limitation, foam, wood, double wall material, Drop Stitch material, PVC-coated material, vinyl material, inflatable material, and a combination thereof. Alternatively, taper may be achieved by ways known in the art such as through the integration of a bend or rocker (as has been done on SUP boards or surfboards) into the Drop Stitch fabric.

The 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 frameless spa or pool cover disclosed herein may incorporate any number of design features and/or variations known and/or readily available to the skilled artisan. For example, the 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 frameless spa or pool cover of the present invention may include, without limitation, handles sewn or affixed to the cover for carrying, removing and/or applying the cover to the corresponding spa or pool. The 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 cover disclosed herein may also include, without limitation, latches, tie-downs, straps, buckles, clips or the like for securing the cover atop the spa or pool. In addition, the 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 cover disclosed herein may include, without limitation, cut-outs for ease of adding spa or pool chemicals and/or for ease of access and/or entry to only a portion of the spa or pool. The 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 cover disclosed herein may also incorporate, without limitation, a wide variety of customizable cosmetic variations such as logos, colors, and/or decorative designs. The 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 spa or pool cover disclosed herein may additionally be offered, without limitation, in a kit comprising the 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 frameless cover, extra material for mending the 10, 21, 31, 41, 51, 61 inflatable member, a carrying/transport case or bag, and/or a corresponding air pump. In addition, the 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 spa or pool cover disclosed herein may feature any number of a variety of 14 air intake valves as an inflation means.

Without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention, reasonable features, modifications, advantages, and design variations of the claimed 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 cover for enclosing a spa or pool will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art by following the guidelines set forth in the preceding detailed description and embodiments. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A frameless cover for enclosing a spa or pool; the cover comprising an inflatable member capable of providing rigidity without joined or crisscrossed structural parts, wherein the inflatable member overlays the spa or pool.
 2. The cover of claim 1, wherein the inflatable member comprises two or more inflatable portions.
 3. The cover of claim 2, wherein the inflatable member comprises two portions.
 4. The cover of claim 2, wherein the two or more inflatable portions comprise an axial hinge.
 5. The cover of claim 4, wherein the hinge is a fabric hinge.
 6. The cover of claim 5, wherein the fabric hinge is a waterproof fabric hinge or water-resistant fabric hinge.
 7. The cover of claim 4, wherein the hinge comprises a stiffening system on each side of the axial hinge.
 8. The cover of claim 7, wherein the stiffening system is selected from the group consisting of a batten, bar, and a combination thereof.
 9. The cover of claim 4, wherein the two or more inflatable portions comprise wedged components on underside or side edges of the inflatable member from the hinge to corner points on the inflatable member; thereby causing a sloping effect on the cover.
 10. The cover of claim 9, wherein the wedged components are molded on the underside or side edges of the inflatable member.
 11. The cover of claim 9, wherein the wedged components are constructed of material selected from the group consisting of foam, wood, double wall material, Drop Stitch material, PVC-coated material, vinyl material, inflatable material and a combination thereof
 12. The cover of claim 1, wherein the inflatable member overlays the spa or pool extending atop perimeter walls of the spa or pool.
 13. The cover of claim 1, wherein the inflatable member overlays the spa or pool extending to perimeter walls of the spa or pool.
 14. The cover of claim 1, wherein the inflatable member is constructed of a waterproof or water-resistant material.
 15. The cover of claim 1, wherein the inflatable member is constructed of a high-pressure double wall material.
 16. The cover of claim 15, wherein the inflatable member is constructed of Drop Stitch material.
 17. The cover of claim 1, wherein the inflatable member is capable of holding inflation without continuous air pressure.
 18. The cover of claim 1, wherein the inflatable member further comprises a skirt.
 19. The cover of claim 18, wherein the skirt is a waterproof fabric or a water-resistant fabric.
 20. A kit for a frameless, inflatable spa or pool cover; the kit comprising: a. a frameless cover for enclosing a spa or pool, wherein the cover comprises an inflatable member capable of providing rigidity without joined or crisscrossed structural parts; b. a transport case for the frameless cover; and c. an air pump for inflating the frameless cover. 